Smart Upgrades Save Money for Owners of Popular Wasco Restaurant

Mar 20

Written By Columbia Community Connection

From Energy Trust of Oregon:

By Jami Seymore

Wasco, Ore., March 20, 2025 — The Dirty Cowgirl Saloon, a beloved watering hole in Wasco, has made significant improvements to keep diners comfortable year-round. Owner Celeste Jackson and her team have been hard at work upgrading the historic space, ensuring that visitors can enjoy a cold drink and a hot meal comfortably, no matter the weather outside.

The building that houses the bar and restaurant is well over 100 years old and was originally part of a hotel that burned down. The structure had sat vacant for years before Jackson and her team brought it back to life. When they opened their doors in 2022 after transitioning from a popular food truck, they immediately got to work making improvements. Fresh paint, new floors, and outdoor seating transformed the space, but the old heating and cooling system remained a challenge.

“We love this old building but keeping it comfortable for our customers and staff was tough,” said Jackson. “It was either too hot or too cold, and we had to shut down more than once for repairs.”

This past year, The Dirty Cowgirl Saloon tackled that issue head-on with the help of the Energy Trust of Oregon and the Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE).

First, the saloon completed a comprehensive energy assessment, mostly paid for with a Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grant through ODOE. The assessment identified the biggest opportunities to save energy, including an updated heating and cooling system.
Jackson then took advantage of United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) funds to offset the cost of a new ductless heat pump, which can both heat and cool the building using a fraction of the energy of a conventional furnace.
She also installed a smart thermostat which can learn the business’ schedule and not waste energy by heating or cooling the space when no one’s around.

Energy Trust, which provides cash incentives to make energy-saving equipment more affordable for homes and businesses, contributed an additional $1,300 on top of the REAP grant. Together, these funds covered more than half of the total project costs. These upgrades mean more reliable heating and cooling, fewer interruptions, and lower energy bills.

“Now, no matter how many people are here or how hot it gets outside, it’s comfortable inside,” said Jackson. “Customers have already noticed the difference, and we’re ready for another great season.”

The new system will save the business over $300 a year on energy costs, and the smart thermostat allows staff to easily control temperatures without hassle.

“Before, we were constantly adjusting things manually to find a good temperature,” Jackson added. “Now, it’s set up to keep the place just right all the time.”

With its new and improved system, The Dirty Cowgirl Saloon welcomes both locals and travelers to relax, enjoy great food and unwind in a comfortable, inviting space.

If you’re a business interested in similar support or just want to know your options, visit energytrust.org/for-business or email existingbuildings@energytrust.org.